The Extricom Large Scale Solution – LS-3000

Extricom’s Channel Blanket[tm] has earned a reputation in the enterprise wireless LAN industry as the ‘go-to’ solution for organizations that want to realize the dream of true seamless mobility, together with wire-like reliability and high throughput, even in the most challenging environments.

The LS-3000 brings the Channel Blanket architecture to very large scale deployments such as logistics hubs, manufacturing plants, regional medical centers and different hospitality applications requiring high mobility.

Issues with Microcell WLAN’s

The basic IEEE 802.11 architecture comprises of access point directly connected to the network infrastructure (the distribution system) and mobile devices (stations) served by the access point. When where a single access point is incapable of serving the required space, a plurality of access points are deployed, sharing a common logical network ID (SSID). However, each mobile must be associated with one particular access point in order to be connected to the network. The mobile makes a selection between the access points and may decide to switch between access points e.g. while on the move.

Access points are assigned non-overlapping channels in order to mitigate interference, however in most typical deployments there are many access points in relative proximity (typically 10-100) and only a small amount of non-overlapping channels, typically 3-4, hence access points may interfere with each other. Furthermore, the mobiles have a difficult time choosing between access points: their radio senses only a fraction of the access points availble at any point in time (e.g. one third if three channels are available). Even worse, the handoff between access points is a fairly complex procedure especially if security considerations are taken into account. While handing off, no service is available to the mobile in either direction. Such connectivity disruptions impair latency sensitive applications such as voice over IP and real time remote control.

Extricom’s Channel Blanket Architecture

A Channel blanket is created by assigning the same basic network ID (BSSID) and the same channel to all access points in the service area, which eliminates mobile device handoffs. Each access point comprises multiple radios, each assigned to a different channel, hence overlaying physically isolated blankets. The mobiles are served by one ubiquitous access system covering the service area with as many APs as required for coverage and speed. Different blankets can provide different types of service for different groups of mobiles. Capacity grows linearly with the number of blankets.

Channel Blanket Scalability

In order to provide a single BSSID, most access point functionality is centralized in the wireless switch. The wireless switch drives many ultra-thin access devices (radio points). Each wireless switch port drives a single radio point, delivers power to it and provides for bidirectional connectivity with the radio point. For greater scalability, an Extricom MS-1000 edge switch is placed in between the Extricom LS-3000 switch and radio points. Thereby, multiplying the number of access points by a factor of eight. Typically, a 128 AP network is supported with this two-tier switch topology. This tree topology also saves on cabling, as each LS-3000 switch to MS-1000 switch cable typically serves sixteen access points. The Extricom LS-3000 is used in verticals such as hospitality, healthcare and logistics, whenever seamless mobility and total wireless coverage is essential. This is specifically crucial for applications such as VoIP or AGV (Automated Guided Vehicles). AGV applications are used in very large logistics warehouses, where automated equipment moves around the floor and isles. The Extricom Channel Blanket architecture provides a large area of coverage, without the need to roam between access points.